A school mascot walks into the library: tapping school spirit for library instruction videos

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the University of Idaho Library's efforts to develop instructional videos starring the school mascot, Joe Vandal, and integrate these videos across the curriculum using the university's course management system. Video development, implementation in library instruction courses, and student and faculty assessment are discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The video creation process is described thoroughly, with an eye towards best practices, for those libraries that may wish to develop their own videos. Applications for implementation outside library instruction are also discussed.

Findings

Although costly, professional‐quality videos are an engaging and effective way to reach students. Students at the University of Idaho found the library's instructional videos, starring the school mascot, to be entertaining, informative, and easy to understand.

Research limitations/implications

The longitudinal effect of the videos on information literacy instruction has yet to be determined. Future research should study the efficacy of the videos by evaluating the book‐finding ability of control groups of students who have viewed the video and those who have not.

Practical implications

The increasing ubiquity of film‐making software and of video‐hosting sites makes video a more attractive vehicle for information literacy concepts than ever before. Instructional videos are especially relevant when used by those libraries which wish to integrate materials into a course management system.

Originality/value

Although using video for library instruction is not a new concept, creating instructional videos starring the school mascot in the role of the information‐seeker is unique.

Citation

Henrich, K.J. and Prorak, D. (2010), "A school mascot walks into the library: tapping school spirit for library instruction videos", Reference Services Review, Vol. 38 No. 4, pp. 663-675. https://doi.org/10.1108/00907321011090791